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Reply to Saikee

I worked as an electronics / computer technician for a Science Center for many years before going on disability in 2000. In the mid to late 90ís we started installing Linux first on our server then on exhibits but never on someoneís desktop. And when I was working on computers it was to fix broken windows mostly because they did something that you and me would call stupid. 95 % of windows users donít know the OS and donít want too, they just want to use it. I still fix computers on the side for people and nothing has changed.

Which is why I think the Linux community should support a distro like Xandros to bring Linux to the masses that donít really want to learn the OS but just want to use it. But if you want to learn Linux itís just under the hood and itís a good start to get people moving away from MS. Just like a car most people donít want to get out the tool box and lift the hood.

Today I read a story in the local paper about Wal-Mart selling a Linux ready computer with gOS preinstalled for $199. Now I had to log on and check it out, now Iím not to impressed with gOS but the hardware works with Linux and I canít build a computer at that price. So I thought new toy put it on the workbench and connect it to the KVM and install multiple Linux OSís. Plus I thought I should put my money where my mouth is and show there is a market for Linux ready computers so I bought one. Whatís next should I get an Eee laptop, I think Iíll pass on that for now, If I canít take it apart and change things it ante no fun.

What goes around comes around, I got my first Unix based OS in 1986 (Does anyone remember Tandy and OS-9 from Microware) and it had a windowing program called Muti-View. I just sold it on Ebay last year for enough to pay for a copy of XP from Mr. Bill if I wanted. I still remember how much fun it was to edit the 5 ľ boot disk so it could read a 3 Ĺ 1.44 MB floppy disk, increased my storage space x 4.

OK bottom line is Xandros is Linux with training wheels and in the 90ís I recommended AOL to people with kids mostly but also for the older generation because it was the Internet with training wheels. I used AOL back then along with VNC on my home network so I could see what the kids where up to. Hey I finally got the last family member off AOL and on broadband. But you have to start somewhere.

Sorry for rambling, the old gray matter ante what it used to be but I think I made my point.

Can I tag onto this thread? I want to dump windows on this machine and work in linux. What I have gathered from here is to burn some boot disks in different versions and decide what suits me. From this thread I have decided to start with umbutu withe goal of figguring out Nancy(sic).
This thread suggested downloading and burning from the sidebar? I do not see that sidebar. Also, I need to burn a bootdisc? I need an isowriter? I dont have an isowriter.
Suggustions? download a trial version?
In summary, I have at least two problems:
Where to download umbuto?
How do I write it to disk?
Please forgive me but I only go down to this level once every 5 years and memory gets fuzzy.

The most popular could be [url=distrowatch.com[/url]. You will Ubuntu is currently listed as the second most popular distro after Mint.

To burn a iso file into a bootable CD or DVD you need a CD/DVD writer and the software is available from the hardware device manufacturer but there are many free software available for Windows and Linux.

Ha! I reply from a new platform! I need a B: drive for my data. any hints? also, running the os from the cd drive is a little slow. Where do I find how to create a virtual drive for the os?
Does anyone use antivirii here? I'm excited!
M. Lout

mere lout,
if have got a spare USB stick-that woud be fantastic-far better than making loads of cdr copies in own view because they can be formatted over and reinstalled on when a new distro takes fancy.
if this is the case,and have still got an existing wind doze partition,woud recommend downloading YUMI: http://www.pendrivelinux.com/yumi-mu...t-usb-creator/the short answer-it does all the work; with only several clicks.the longer answer-it allows the user to partition as many distros that will fit/are required onto the USB stick and are all fully bootable using one of the bootloaders on offer-it doesnt require any extra skills to be able to use at all,so it is especialy useful for newbies.

as for the virtual drive,live cds shoud be able to save to the hard drive,the ones have personaly used gave this option anyway.
woud recommend something like ubuntu one-https://one.ubuntu.com/ which is cloud based,very secure,free and can be accessed from anywhere,so if decide to change distro at some point-or, if there is an unrecoverable crash; it makes it alot more convenient and safer.
had tried to set that up on dads computer [dual booting vista with xubuntu] but the ubuntu one program was glitchy with his current version for some reason.

if need any pointers or advice on distros,please just post-its a good idea if say what sort of confidence have got around linux and learning new formats in general, am assuming are wanting a smoother more gradual transition to linux,because of ubuntu being the choice?
some newbies are more kamikaze minded and prefer a accute learning curve-it doesnt particulary depend on the technical ability with choosing;but what confidence the person has with approaching new ground and a wider level of admin freedom.
this is why the linux community argues alot over what distros are better for beginners because we all have a different perception and level of confidence.

by the way,if are sticking with ubuntu and havent installed it yet; there is the WUBI method which makes it even easier for linux newbies to transition over,it installs within windows parition but when it isnt wanted it can be deleted by going in windows and deleting like any file aparently.
its probably better to dual boot first whilst getting used to linux.